How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?

Plus, Cowtown Tanning's recommendations for making your airbrush tan last longer and fade more evenly.

One of the most common questions we hear at Cowtown Tanning is: How long will my spray tan last?

Most professional spray tans last approximately 5–10 days, but how long your airbrush tan lasts depends heavily on your skin, prep, daily routine, and—most importantly—your aftercare.

A great spray tan doesn't end when you leave Cowtown. What you do afterward can make a major difference in how your tan wears and fades.

Here are our top recommendations.

1. Follow Your Spray Tan Artist's Shower Time

Before you leave Cowtown Tanning, your spray tan artist will tell you exactly when to take your first shower based on the solution and development option used during your appointment.

Follow that time as closely as possible.

Showering too early may prevent your tan from reaching its intended depth, while leaving certain solutions on significantly longer than recommended isn't necessarily going to make you darker (over-processing could leave you 🍊).

Your spray tan artist has customized your development time for a reason.

2. Keep Your First Shower Simple

When it's time for your first shower, use lukewarm water and keep it quick.

You'll probably see color washing down the drain. Don't panic.

That's primarily the cosmetic bronzer rinsing away—not your entire spray tan.

Avoid scrubbing, exfoliating, or using products during your first shower, and gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it with your towel. Trust the process. Your tan takes up to 24 hours to be fully developed. 

3. Moisturize Every Day

If you want your spray tan to last longer, hydrated skin is your best friend.

Dry skin sheds more noticeably, which can cause a sunless tan to fade faster and less evenly.

At Cowtown Tanning, we recommend moisturizing daily with products designed to be compatible with sunless tanning.

Cowtown Product Tip: Apply our Cowtown Tanning Sunless-Safe Body Lotion daily to keep skin hydrated without unnecessarily stripping your spray tan.

For an extra boost of hydration, layer or alternate with our Cowtown Tanning Sunless-Safe Body Oil.

4. Pay Attention to Your Body Wash

Your shower products matter, too.

Some body washes and soaps can be drying or contain ingredients that aren't ideal for maintaining a sunless tan.

We recommend using a gentle, sunless-safe cleanser and avoiding aggressive scrubbing while you have your spray tan.

Our Cowtown Tanning Sunless-Safe Body Wash was specifically curated with spray tan maintenance in mind and can also be used for shaving.

5. Be Gentle When Shaving

Yes, you can shave with a spray tan—but remember that shaving also lightly exfoliates your skin.

If possible, shave before your spray tan appointment.

After your tan has developed, use a fresh razor, shave gently, and avoid repeatedly going over the same area.

Pairing your razor with our Sunless-Safe Body Wash OR Body Oil instead of a heavy shaving cream can also help keep your routine simple and spray-tan friendly.

6. Know What Makes a Spray Tan Fade Faster

Your spray tan naturally fades as your skin cells shed, but certain activities can speed up the process.

That includes:

• Long, hot showers
• Baths
• Hot tubs
• Chlorinated pools
• Salt water
• Aggressive towel drying
• Exfoliating
• Frequent shaving
• Heavy sweating

That doesn't mean you have to stop living your life because you have a spray tan.

Going on vacation? Get in the pool.

We simply want you to know that frequent water exposure and exfoliation may shorten the life of your tan so you can adjust your aftercare accordingly.

7. Let Your Spray Tan Fade Before Your Next Appointment

Eventually, it's time to say goodbye to the old tan.

Rather than continuously layering new spray tan solution over previous color, we recommend thoroughly exfoliating and removing your old sunless tan before your next appointment. If you're looking for a product to make this process even easier, check out our Prep Bundle! 

This gives your Cowtown spray tan artist a fresh, even canvas and helps your next application develop more consistently.

How Often Should You Get a Spray Tan?

For many of our regular clients, once every 12-14 days works well.

The exact schedule depends on how quickly your skin naturally sheds, your lifestyle, and how frequently you want to maintain your color.

If you're not sure how often you should book, ask your Cowtown spray tan artist. We can help you create a schedule based on your skin and routine.

The Cowtown Spray Tan Aftercare Checklist

✓ Follow the exact shower time provided by your spray tan artist
✓ Keep your first shower quick and lukewarm
✓ Pat—don't rub—your skin dry
✓ Moisturize every day
✓ Use sunless-safe body wash and skincare
✓ Shave gently
✓ Avoid unnecessary exfoliation
✓ Expect swimming and hot tubs to shorten your tan
✓ Fully exfoliate your old tan before your next appointment

Ready for Your Next Spray Tan?

The application is only half of a great spray tan. Proper aftercare can help your airbrush tan last longer, fade more evenly, and give us a better canvas at your next appointment.

Book your next custom airbrush tan at Cowtown Tanning and let our spray tan artists help you find the service—and aftercare routine—that works best for your skin. 

Schedule An Appointment